The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) has intensified efforts to tackle the high burden of skin cancer among persons with albinism by activating targeted screening services in three Nigerian cities.
Through
the integration of skin cancer checks and structured referral
pathways into its National Preventive Oncology Clinical Services, the institute
is seeking to improve early detection and access to care for a group it
identifies as particularly vulnerable to the disease.
The Director
General of NICRAT, Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, disclosed this at the launch of
the institute’s “Shade the Sun” campaign at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute
Metta Cancer Centre in Lagos.
He
described the initiative as an awareness and prevention drive specifically
designed for Nigerians living with albinism, noting that their heightened
sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation places them at increased risk of
developing skin cancer.
According
to him, the campaign is being implemented under the National Initiative for Cancer
Early Detection, Screening and Coordinated Access to Networked Care, a
framework aimed at strengthening prevention strategies, promoting timely
diagnosis, improving treatment outcomes, and ultimately reducing cancer-related
deaths nationwide.
As
part of the intervention, beneficiaries received sun protection kits and were
urged to use them consistently and correctly. The NICRAT boss emphasised that
protective measures, when combined with routine screening and early
care-seeking behaviour, could significantly reduce avoidable complications and
save lives.
He
also acknowledged the support of key partners, including the Nigerian
Association of Dermatologists, the Albinism Association of Nigeria, and the
National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, as well as the management of
the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta, for their collaboration in driving the
campaign.
The
Vice President of the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists and Consultant
Dermatologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr
Ayesha Akinkugbe, said the partnership extends beyond screening to include
capacity building for health workers.
She
explained that NICRAT supplied protective materials such as sunscreen,
long-sleeved T-shirts, wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective glasses, while
designated centres in Lagos, Abuja and Kano were equipped with dermoscopes,
magnifying lenses, cryoguns and liquid nitrogen to aid diagnosis and minor
procedures.
“This
programme is running in Lagos, Abuja and Kano,” she said, adding that
stakeholders are advocating the creation of a national albinism register to
generate reliable data for effective planning and resource allocation.
Also
speaking, Consultant Physician and Dermatologist at the Lagos State
University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Dr Folakemi Cole-Adeife, stressed that
early detection remains critical in preventing severe outcomes. She advised
persons with albinism to undergo skin examinations at least every six months
and to limit exposure to direct sunlight, particularly during peak hours.
“You
cannot completely avoid the sun, but if you must go out, you should go prepared
and protected,” she said.
Representing
the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Kehinde Ososanya noted that
primary healthcare workers across the state are being trained to identify
suspicious skin lesions early and refer patients promptly for specialist care.
He added that Lagos has 376 primary healthcare centres serving as first points
of contact within communities, positioning them as critical entry points for
early detection and referral under the programme.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment